What to what to read, listen, eat and watch

Eleven Minutes, Paulo CoelhoThe book depicts a prostitute’s story which conveys a beautiful message for life. There are only two ways to live life, either to be a victim of the situations one faces or to be a winner and have control over situations. It’s all a question of how we view our life.

A Walk to Remember, Nicholas SparksThe most touching love story written in a most attractive way. Easy language, simple and cute story make it a real page turner.

I Too had a Love Story, Ravinder SinghIt is a heart touching love tale. As it is a real-life story put in the fiction category, readers can easily relate to it. The book has been written in poetic fiction which is a new concept in the Indian context. Overall, an amazingly touching book which sprinkles the colours of love and romance.

The Immortals of Meluha, AmishThe book has an intoxicating blend of Hindu mythology and fiction. It is a very well conceptualised story with a post-modern approach. If you are looking for a quick yet smart read without too much melodrama, this is a good pick.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled HosseiniThe book is a beautiful, heart-wrenching and heart-warming depiction of the power of hope, faith and love. Khaled Hosseini has narrated the friendship that dwells between the two women in a brilliant tone.

Listen Shibani Kashyap, Singer

Fields of Gold Eva, CassidyThough this song is originally sung by the musician Sting, it has been interpreted by singer Eva Cassidy in her album ‘Live at Blues Alley’. I love the unplugged rendition and how simply and effortlessly Eva speaks to my soul with her sensational voice. This guitar version is too stunning.

How Deep is your Love, Bee Gees It’s an intensely romantic number and the vocals in harmony sound soothing. It’s a classic and it defines love and brings back memories of true love.

Smooth Operator, Sade I love the sensual melody of this song. Sade's song writing and singing skills are phenomenal and her husky vocals completely get me going.

Black Velvet, Alannah MylesIt’s the eternal female rockstar song and the guitar solos are just fabulous. This is the one song I totally connect with and it will always be on my show list.

Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Umrao Jaan It is the ghazal soul anthem for me. Not only is the song an eternal classic ghazal composed brilliantly by music composer Khayyam Sahab, but it is also written so beautifully by lyricist Shahryar and emoted to perfection by the eternal diva Rekha. Also, the film Umrao Jaan (1981) is monumental.

Eat Rajeev Arora, Executive chef, Hilton International Hotel

Cafe Moshe’s, JuhuCafe Moshe’s is a perfect place to have a relaxed evening with good Mediterranean choices. I love the apple and walnut pancakes with café latte here.

Gadda Da Vida at Hotel Novotel, Juhu The place has an excellent bar and lounge overlooking the Juhu beach. It is the most preferred beautiful outdoor eatery for me and my friends after a long stressful day. The service is very good.

Sammy Sosa, AndheriIt’s a pretty cozy place to hang out with friends. The service is warm and friendly. It serves Indianised Mexican food with a good choice of international alcohol beverages.

Global Fusion, Bandra It offers good food with an extensive variety and has excellent decor and ambience. The buffet has Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Malaysian flavours. It’s a place for people with a large appetite and you need to visit this place a couple of times to do justice to the spread.

Lotus Cafe at JW Marriott, JuhuThis 24 hour coffee shop with an a la carte menu includes a good variety of food. And the large grand ceiling overlooking the swimming pool creates a beautiful ambience with a wide ranging buffet spread.

Watch Nausheen Ali Sardar, TV actorAndaz Apna Apna, 1994 It is one of my favourite films and I can watch it again and again. Every time I watch it, I just can’t stop laughing from the beginning to the end. It is perhaps the best comedy film ever.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 1995 A wonderful film which you must watch. The movie inspires you to fall in love and conveys what love is all about. I really liked the on-screen chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, they are simply awesome.

Taare Zameen Par, 2007It is undoubtedly one of the finest films I have ever seen. It makes me cry every time I watch it. I feel delighted and thankful to producer-actor Aamir Khan for making such a masterpiece in a gentle yet beautiful manner.

The Shawshank Redemption, 1994 A very intense and dramatic film which should be a must in everybody’s ‘must see’ list. I really enjoyed watching it and loved actor Tim Robbins’ performance. Even the chemistry between actors Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins is insane.

Angoor, 1982It’s a classic film and is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play The Comedy of Errors. I have watched it more than 20 times and it still makes me laugh whenever I watch it. Brilliant acting by the whole star cast.